Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day celebrated in Edmonton with city declaration, new crosswalk art

The crosswalk, painted by Edmonton artist Nikk Goodswimmer, on Okîsikow (Angel) Way. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

Community members gathered along 101A Avenue in Edmonton, known as “Okîsikow (Angel) Way,” on Wednesday to commemorate the street’s history of gender-based violence to mark the first official Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day.

While the local Indigenous community has always celebrated Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day, this year, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi declared June 14, 2023, Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day in Edmonton to help bring awareness to victims of gender-based violence and bring help to those who need it.

April Eve Wiberg, founder of the Stolen Sisters and Brothers Action Movement, spoke on the history of the road.

“The initiative first started in Iqaluit, Nunavit [in 2007]. In 2011, Edmonton became the 5th city to have its own Angel Way,” Wiberg said.

“We chose as a community to give it an Indigenous name: ‘Okîsikow’ means ‘angel’ in Cree,” Wiberg added.

Okîsikow (Angel) Way has gained a lot more attention over the years, and Wiberg says she’s “really moved by the amount of support that this initiative is receiving,” following the proclamation from the city.

On Wednesday, a new crosswalk was also unveiled on the street. Painted by Edmonton artist Nikk Goodswimmer, the new crosswalk on Okîsikow (Angel) Way, is located alongside new street blades designed by the late Gloria Neapetung, who was an artist, social activist, street survivor, sister and member of Yellow Quill First Nation in Saskatchewan.

The street blades, designed by the late Gloria Neapetung, that will be displayed on Okîsikow (Angel) Way. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

When asked about the long-term vision for Okîsikow (Angel) Way, Wiberg, who spent a lot of time with Gloria Neapetung, said it will likely honour the late artist.

“[The future] may include a mural of Gloria. Gloria represents the community of survivors that Okîsikow Way is meant for. She was a victim [herself],” Wiberg said.

“It was an honor that I was asked by her family to deliver some words…I feel Gloria’s spirit here with us today, and it’s an honor to be a part of this over and over again,” Wiberg added.